Sikkim's Buddha Park

A complex with a statue of Lord Buddha has been built in the state of Sikkim to promote tourism. In a ceremony Tuesday, the name of the park was officially unveiled. In pictures.

Feb. 27, 2013 4:00 a.m. ET

fullscreen

The Government of Sikkim had announced the 'Sakyamuni Project' in 2006 to commemorate the 2550th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The project involved the building of a park spread over 23 acres of land in district Rabong, Sikkim. The name of park - 'Tathagat Tsal' - was officially unveiled Tuesday. Pictured, a view of the park.
Diptendu Dutta/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images…

A 128-feet statue of Lord Buddha made of copper sheets sits in the centre of the park. The statue will be consecrated by the Dalai Lama on Mar. 26. The day will also mark the formal inauguration of the park. Pictured, people walked towards the statue of Lord Buddha.
Diptendu Dutta/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images…

According to Mr. Zang Po, the chief engineer of the project, work on the statue began in early 2008. On a daily basis, not less than 300 skilled and unskilled workers were involved in the building of the park. Shown, Buddhist monks at the foot of the statue.
Diptendu Dutta/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images…

A woman spun prayer wheels built around the statue.
Diptendu Dutta/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images…

A young Buddhist monk stood at the stairs leading to the statue of Lord Buddha.
Diptendu Dutta/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images…